Can You Eat Sprouted Potatoes?

You pull a potato from your pantry, and it has sprouted little green shoots. Now you’re stuck wondering—can you still cook with it, or is it time to toss it? Nobody likes wasting food, but at the same time, nobody wants to risk getting sick. Sprouted potatoes don’t necessarily mean they’re ruined, but they do require extra caution.

Dr. Daniela Petrache, a specialist in nutrition and metabolic disorders, explains that sprouted potatoes contain glycoalkaloids—natural compounds that increase as the potato ages. In small amounts, these compounds aren’t a big deal, but when they build up, they can cause nausea, stomach pain, and even more serious symptoms like confusion and low blood pressure.

So, does that mean you should never eat a potato with sprouts? Not necessarily. It all comes down to how much it has sprouted, how the potato looks, and how you handle it. Let’s break it down so you know exactly when to keep it and when to toss it.

Can You Eat Sprouted Potatoes?

The answer depends on how much the potato has sprouted and whether it shows other signs of spoilage. A firm potato with a few small sprouts can still be safe to eat if you cut off the sprouts and any green areas. But if the potato is wrinkled, soft, or covered in long sprouts, it’s better to throw it away.

Dr. Petrache warns, “As a potato begins to sprout, the amount of glycoalkaloids begins to increase.” While small amounts of these compounds may have health benefits, excessive intake can lead to poisoning. Symptoms range from mild stomach discomfort to severe neurological and cardiovascular issues. “When consumed in large quantities, the symptoms may be a decrease in blood pressure, rapid pulse, fever, headache, confusion, and in some cases even death,” she explains.

If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution. Cooking doesn’t completely eliminate glycoalkaloids, so even boiling or baking won’t make a heavily sprouted potato safe to eat.

Why Do Potatoes Sprout?

Potatoes sprout naturally as part of their life cycle. Unlike many other vegetables, they continue to develop even after they’ve been harvested. If you leave them in a warm, humid environment, they’ll start sprouting faster than you’d expect.

One factor that speeds up sprouting is storing potatoes with onions. Dr. Petrache advises against this, saying, “Avoid storing potatoes with onions as this combination seems to help the potatoes sprout faster.” Onions release gases that encourage sprouting, leading to faster spoilage.

If you want to slow down the sprouting process, keep your potatoes in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. Temperatures between 45–50°F (7–10°C) help prolong their shelf life. Storing them in paper or mesh bags instead of plastic also reduces moisture buildup, which can accelerate sprouting.

How Long Do Potatoes Take to Sprout?

The time it takes for potatoes to sprout depends on storage conditions. In an ideal environment—cool, dry, and dark—potatoes can last for several months before sprouting. But if stored at room temperature, especially in a warm kitchen, they may start sprouting within a few weeks.

Humidity also plays a role. Excess moisture encourages sprouting and can lead to mold or rot. That’s why potatoes stored in plastic bags often go bad faster than those in breathable containers. Checking your potatoes regularly and removing any that show early signs of sprouting can help preserve the rest.

Can You Plant Sprouted Potatoes

If your potatoes have sprouted but are no longer safe to eat, you don’t have to throw them away—you can plant them instead! Sprouted potatoes can grow into new plants and provide you with a fresh crop instead of going to waste.

To plant them, cut the potato into sections and ensure that each piece has at least one sprout or “eye.” Let the cut pieces dry for a day before planting them in the soil. They should be placed about 3 inches deep with the sprouts facing upward. With proper watering and sunlight, they’ll grow into new potato plants in a few months.

Planting is a great way to make use of sprouted potatoes, especially if you have space in a garden or even large pots. Instead of worrying about whether they’re safe to eat, you can turn them into something useful.

How to Keep Potatoes Fresh for Longer

If you want to keep your potatoes from sprouting too soon, proper storage is key. The best place to store them is somewhere cool, dark, and dry, ideally around 45–50°F (7–10°C). Many people assume the fridge is a good option, but cold temperatures convert the starches in potatoes into sugar, which alters their texture and taste. Instead, a pantry, cellar, or cupboard away from heat sources is a better choice.

Moisture also plays a big role in how quickly potatoes sprout. High humidity speeds up the process, so it’s best to store them in breathable bags like paper or mesh rather than plastic, which traps moisture. Keeping them in a well-ventilated area also helps prevent rot and mold.

Another important step is checking your potatoes regularly. If you spot one that’s starting to sprout, wrinkle, or go soft, remove it before it affects the rest. A single spoiled potato can cause the others to deteriorate faster.